Storage system with storage container and supporting framework

ABSTRACT

A storage system for storing items along a ceiling, having a container and supporting framework mounted to the ceiling. The container has a flange. The supporting framework has four frame members each including an elongated track, including two top frame members which extend downwardly from the ceiling and two bottom frame members. The flange is selectively supported by the bottom frame members with a pair of L-shaped mounting supports attached to the bottom frame members. A pair of scizzor assemblies, each having two scizzor members hingedly connected, couples to the top and bottom frame members and easily raises and lowers the bottom frame members to lift and lower the container.

CROSS REFERENCES AND RELATED SUBJECT MATTER

This application is a continuation of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/749,434, filed in the United States Patent Office on Dec. 12, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to storage systems, and more particularly, to a storage system having a storage container and supporting framework that is mounted on a ceiling or attached to rafters for providing space in areas that afford ample, unused space, the framework is motorized to lower the container to provide access thereto, and raises the container for storage.

Even in households with few people, there never seems to be enough storage space. Available closet space always seems insufficient. Even the seemingly unlimited garage and basement spaces eventually fill up. Shelving systems that are constructed within overhead rafters are difficult to reach and make getting things in and out inconvenient.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,405 to Milsem discloses a device for moving overhead shelves or cupboards to a lower position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,846 to Duane discloses a storage rack and support framework capable of vertical motion using hydraulic power. U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,702 to Campbell discloses a motorized system for lifting a bicycle for storage.

While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to produce a means for efficiently and safely storing items utilizing overhead rafters. Accordingly, the invention is a storage system including a supporting framework that attaches to ceiling rafters, and container. The supporting framework attaches to overhead rafters or a ceiling and provides a support cradle for the container to thereby efficiently and safely stored items in underutilized space near a ceiling.

It is another object of the invention to provide a means for conveniently accessing items within the storage system. Accordingly, the supporting framework of the invention is motorized so that it is easily raised or lowered to offer convenient access to the container cradled by the supporting framework.

It is another object to provide a method of getting things in an out of their container without having to reach up and manually pull the supporting framework down, and push the supporting framework up after use. Accordingly, the motor is in communication with a remote control for allowing a user to raise and lower the container at will.

This invention is a storage system for storing items along a ceiling, having a container and supporting framework mounted to the ceiling. The container has a flange. The supporting framework has four frame members each including an elongated track, including two top frame members which extend downwardly from the ceiling and two bottom frame members. The flange is selectively supported by the bottom frame members with a pair of L-shaped mounting supports attached to the bottom frame members. A pair of scizzor assemblies, each having two scizzor members hingedly connected, couples to the top and bottom frame members and easily raises and lowers the bottom frame members to lift and lower the container.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a storage system of the present invention having a container and a supporting framework mounted to a ceiling, in a lowered position suspending the container from the ceiling for accessing items stored therein.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the storage system of the present invention, wherein the supporting framework has been raised for storing the container out of the way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a storage system 10 of the present invention for storing items within overhead rafters or up against a ceiling 11.

The storage system 10 includes a container 20 and supporting framework 30 that is mounted onto the ceiling or attached to overhead rafters for providing space in areas that afford ample, unused space. The container includes an upper flange 20A and a lower body 20B that extends beneath the upper flange 20A. A significant storage volume is provided within the lower body 20B of the container. The supporting framework 30 cradles the container 20 by the flange 20A and selectively holds the container upwardly against the ceiling 11 for efficiently and safely storing items in what is generally underutilized space. In addition, the framework 30 selectively lowers the container 20 when desired to allow access to its contents.

The container 20 is substantially rectangular in shape and preferably measures approximately thirty-two inches in length and sixteen inches in width. The container 20 is generally made of plastic, and the supporting framework 30 are preferably made of metal, plastic, or wood.

The supporting framework 30 includes four frame members 32, including two top frame members 32A which extend downwardly from the ceiling 11 and are permanently affixed to the ceiling 11 by an L-shaped mounting bracket 34, and two bottom frame members 32B. Each frame member 32 includes an elongated track 33 shown in FIG. 2. The supporting framework 30 includes two scizzor supports 36 each having a pair of scizzor members 38, a top end 36A and a bottom end 36B. The top ends 36A of each scizzor support 36 are coupled to the top frame members 32A. The bottom ends 36B of each brace support 36 are similarly coupled to the bottom frame members 32B. In addition, the bottom frame members 32B each have an L-shaped mounting support 24. The L-shaped mounting supports 24 are opposed, face inwardly, and are spaced to support the flange 20A of the container 20.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the supporting framework 30 of the present invention from the side view. Each frame member 32 has a front 32F and a rear 32R. A transverse support 31 extends between the bottom frame members 32B at each of the front 32F and the rear 32R to provide rigidity to the framework 30. The elongated track 33 extends along each frame member 32 from the front 32F approximately half way across that frame member 32 toward its rear 32R. The scizzor supports 36 each include the two scizzor members 38 hingedly connected by a rivet 40. Each scizzor member 38 includes a fixed end 38F and a slidable end 38S. Each fixed end 38F is coupled to one of the frame members 32 at its rear 32R by a fixed pin 42F. The slidable ends 38S are coupled to the elongated tracks 33 near the front end 32F by a pin and roller 42R and capable of sliding back and forth within the elongated track 33 in a horizontal fashion to facilitate scizzor-like movement of the scizzor assembly 36 and thus raising and lowering of the bottom frame members 32B with respect to the top frame members 32A.

FIG. 3 illustrates the storage system 10 of the present invention wherein the supporting framework 30 is raised to a position out of the way for storage. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pin and roller 42R slides along said track 33 causing the rivet 40 to rotate and allow the supporting framework to be raised. Similarly, the supporting framework 30 is lowered. As the slidable ends 38S move toward the front end 32F the supporting framework 30 is raised, thereby raising the container 20. As the slidable ends 38S move toward the rear end 32R the supporting framework 30 is lowered, thereby lowering the container 20.

The storage system 10 of the invention can be raised and lowered either manually by pushing upwardly and downwardly on the bottom frame members 32B, or under power. In addition, to remove the contents of the container 20 a user must simply slide the container 20 forward until the flange 20A clears the mounting supports 24 and thereby can be removed from the mounting supports 24.

In additional embodiments, the storage system 10 of the invention may include a motor assembly. Referring to FIG. 1, the motor assembly includes a motor 50, and may include a transverse axle 52 having a pair of pulleys 54 mounted concentrically thereon. Lifting lines 56 are wrapped around the pulleys and are secured to the bottom frame members 32B. When the motor 50 is actuated, the transverse axle 52 and pulleys 54 are rotated, thereby reeling the lifting lines 56 thereon to raise the bottom frame members 32B and the container 20 supported thereon. A remote control, not shown, may be in communication with the motor 50 for remotely raising and lowering the support framework 30 and thereby the container 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 to illustrate the storage system 10 in use for conveniently retrieving items, a user simply fills the container 20 with items that need to be stored out of the way. Then, the user pulls downwardly on the bottom frame members 32B, or alternatively activates the remote control to lower the supporting framework 30. Next the user slides the flange 20A container 20 of the container 20 between the supporting framework 30 such that the plate rests on the L-shaped mounting supports 24. Then, the user pushes upwardly on the bottom frame members 32B, or alternatively activates the motor to raise the supporting framework 30 and container 20 against the ceiling for storage.

In conclusion, herein is presented a storage system that includes a framework that is mounted to the ceiling for supporting a container and then allowing to container to raise upwardly against the ceiling for out of the way storage thereof. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention. 

1. A storage system for storing items along a ceiling, using a container having a flange, comprising: supporting framework for mounting to the ceiling having four frame members each including an elongated track, including two top frame members which extend downwardly from the ceiling and two bottom frame members, the bottom frame members each having an L-shaped mounting support which together selectively cradles the container by supporting the flange; a pair of scizzor assemblies, each scizzor assembly having two scizzor members which are hingedly connected and together couple the top and bottom frame members to selectively raise and lower the bottom frame members to selectively raise the container toward the ceiling for storage and selectively lower the container downwardly to allow removal of the container from the bottom frame members.
 2. The storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein for each scizzor assembly, one of the scizzor members thereof engages the elongated track in one of the top frame members, and the other of the scizzor members thereof engages the elongated track in one of the bottom frame members.
 3. The storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame members each have a front and a rear; wherein each scizzor member includes a fixed end and a slidable end, the fixed end is coupled to one of the frame members at its rear, the slidable end is coupled with the elongated track of one of the frame members at its front.
 4. The storage system as recited in claim 3, wherein the slidable end of each of the scizzor members has a pin and roller that engages one of the elongated tracks for slidable movement therein.
 5. The storage system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a pair of transverse braces, extending between the bottom frame members at the front and at their rear, for providing rigidity between the frame members.
 6. The storage system as recited in claim 5, further comprising a motor assembly, including a motor, a transverse axle having a pair of pulleys mounted concentrically thereon, and a pair of lifting lines, the lifting lines are wrapped around the pulleys and are secured to the bottom frame members such that when the motor is actuated the transverse axle and pulleys are rotated, thereby reeling the lifting lines thereon to raise the bottom frame members and the container 20 supported thereon. 